SMBC Aviation Capital selects CFM LEAP-1A engines to power 35 Airbus A320neo aircraft
Published on 20th July 2026
FARNBOROUGH – 20 July 2026 – SMBC Aviation Capital, the leading global aviation finance platform, today announced it has finalized an agreement for CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power 35 Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
A long-time CFM customer, the Dublin-based group currently owns and manages a fleet of more than 750 aircraft powered by LEAP and CFM56 engines in service or on order.
“We are very pleased to build on our 25-year partnership with CFM International with this order for further LEAP-1A engines for our A320neo family aircraft,” said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital. “Our customers are prioritizing the improvements in fuel efficiency, reduced noise and lower emissions that the CFM LEAP family offers and transitioning our portfolio to aircraft powered by the latest generation of engines will help us deliver on our commitment to support the industry’s decarbonization journey.”
“We are honored by SMBC Aviation Capital’s continued confidence in our products,” said Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International. “Our focus remains on delivering engines that support the long-term profitability of their airline customers, and we look forward to strengthening this important relationship for years to come.”
With more than 10,000 engines delivered to date, CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp in commercial aviation history. CFM continues to upgrade the LEAP fleet with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) durability kit to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system (RBS) to lower airline maintenance burden. The company is focused on delivering high engine availability through exceptional MRO performance and competitive cost of ownership, with the benefits of aftermarket competition through its open MRO ecosystem.
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About SMBC Aviation Capital
SMBC Aviation Capital is the leading global aviation finance platform, servicing a fleet of 1,700 aircraft with more than 170 airlines globally. Benefiting from the strong support of its shareholders Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with a portfolio comprising 87% narrow-body aircraft and 73% new technology aircraft (by net book value). SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit: https://www.smbc.aero/
About CFM International
A 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM International has redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation since its founding in 1974. Today, CFM is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized cost of ownership. CFM International produces the LEAP family of engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets for operators worldwide. www.cfmaeroengines.com